touching down in denver this afternoon, president obama has prepared more for these debates than any sitting president in the modern era. while anticipation builds at the tightly controlled debate site mitt romney reviewed in private relaxing with his sons and fueling up on a peanut butter and honey sandwich. >> i believe that the 21st century can be better than the 20th century. >> you can do that. it's your future. go claim it. >> reporter: a brief glimpse of the motorcade. >> two, three, four, five. >> reporter: for days advisers from both sides have been negotiating details from lighting to the angle of the podiums. the rules even address which spouse will be introduced first. mrs. romney, then mrs. obama. and a coin toss determined the president will speak first with romney getting the last word. >> i'd ask the wealthy to pay a little more. >> more americans are living in poverty. >> reporter: after a relentless blitz of campaign ads and months hammering home familiar themes -- >> this is a country where everybody should get a fair shot and everybody should do their fair share.